click on picture above for more images In November of 2003 Kevin McPherson, President and buyer for Mohr & McPherson, was in the middle of an around-the-world buying trip with his son Keith and partner Chloe.  After a relaxed dinner with Roberto and Cathy Nieddu in their Jodhpur home (see who we are) Kevin and Roberto discussed their dreams of sharing the experience of India with others.  Kevin's dream was based on allowing a select few clients and design professionals to travel with him and allow them access to the seemingly limitless and fascinating riches of Rajasthan (see Buying Trips).  Roberto's dream was to share his love of the desert regions outside his beloved city of Jodhpur by way of a jeep safari. 

Roberto described his experiences in exploring the small villages and scrub land along the edge of the Thar Desert.  He spoke of villages where the inhabitants may have never seen a western visitor.  Places where the villagers lived their lives like their forefathers since the 17th century.  He told us of encounters with people whose level of joy and hospitality seemed incongruous with their lack of possessions.  Seeing life reduced to it's essence fascinated Roberto and he longed to share this life-altering glimpse of existence at it's most basic and pristine level. 

In contrast to what one might imagine this desert region is rich with a variety of flora and fauna.  At times the desert blooms like a pristine garden.  All hunting is strictly forbidden by the government and as a result wildlife such as black buck and blue bull, animals in the deer family, are plentiful.  The arid climate feels clean and invigorating.  Crocodiles bask in the the lakes where massive flocks of migrating birds light, rest and drink.  Few places on earth offer such tranquility.

The safari experience starts after an evening or two in Roberto's Jodhpur haveli (small palace), where you can decompress if you have just arrived in India.  The haveli consists of a 3 acre compound surrounded by a high stone wall.  Accommodations are what you would expect in a luxury boutique hotel.  The feeling, however, is more like staying with an old friend.  A jacuzzi, swimming pool, massage room, and wireless internet access are all available.  Roberto's Nepali chef, trained in international cuisine, prepares European food with Asian accents for both your haveli stay and safari trip.

Each safari trip is customized based on the needs and interests of the intimate 6-8 person group.  A typical safari will include at least one night in luxurious traditional Rajasthani tents complete with ball and claw foot tubs and hot and cold running water.  The group might also overnight in an outlying haveli or centuries old hunting lodge belonging to the Maharaja's family.  Each day will be filled with adventure and exploration and culminate with a gourmet candlelit feast under the stars.

For a more detailed description of our safari please read Rudy Maxa's story in the March 2006 issue of National Geographic Traveler.